Strong Gets 20 Days in Jail for Zumba Case

An insurance agent accused of managing, controlling and profiting from a sophisticated prostitution operation run out of a Zumba studio in small-town Maine is going to jail for 20 days. Mark Strong Sr. was sentenced Thursday for his role in the operation in Kennebunk, a community known more for its beaches and sea captains’ homes than crime. The 57-year-old Strong has acknowledged helping 30-year-old Alexis Wright open her Zumba fitness studio, but he contended he didn’t profit from prostitution. Prosecutors, however, contend he pocketed 20 percent of the proceeds under an arrangement with Wright, who’s due to stand trial later. Prosecutors sought a 364-day jail term, while the defense asked for no more than 14 days in jail. Strong also must pay a $3,000 fine.